Kemal Okuyan: 'It will be an entity with the true character of an assembly'

Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) General Secretary Kemal Okuyan, a guest on Cumhuriyet TV, made statements regarding the Assembly of People's Representatives of Turkey (THTM).

THE FIRST MEETING HAS TAKEN PLACE

Speaking about the THTM, which held its first mass preparatory meeting on the Asian side of Istanbul last Sunday and determined its first representatives, Okuyan stated that a productive and meaningful meeting had taken place.

Okuyan noted that despite having different ideological and political preferences, the individuals who came together at the meeting agreed on issues such as the defense of secularism, an independent Turkey, a sovereign country, an unequivocal stance against imperialism, a stand against the dominance of holding companies and religious sects, and an egalitarian country and a statist economy.

"IT WILL BE AN ENTITY WITH THE TRUE CHARACTER OF AN ASSEMBLY"

Underlining that the THTM is not a political movement or an alliance, Okuyan emphasized that the formation is an assembly in the true sense of the word. Okuyan stated that the THTM is an entity that has emerged to strengthen the interaction of the republican accumulation in Turkey and to spread and strengthen this interaction within society.

Regarding the activities the THTM will carry out, Okuyan said, "It will not just be a platform that discusses and voices its opinions. We will go to every corner of Anatolia, we will discuss solutions to Turkey's current issues, and by sharing the common solutions we find with society, we will try to mobilize society. It will be an entity with the true character of an assembly."

"FIELDING CANDIDATES IN LOCAL ELECTIONS IS OUT OF THE QUESTION"

Okuyan also spoke about the THTM's stance regarding the local elections to be held in March 2024:

“The THTM's approach to local elections will be within the framework of its own founding principles. Fielding candidates in local elections or actively supporting a candidate is out of the question. The political party that is the convener of the Assembly is entering the elections, but our expectation is not for the THTM to stand behind the TKP, but to stand behind its principles. Because we also have friends who are members of, vote for, or support other political formations. What is important here is the defense of our principles.

The question might come to mind, 'Will the Assembly be a part of the balances, searches, or bargains between candidates or political parties?' No, such a thing will absolutely not be the case. Because we are conducting a long-term study. On the other hand, it is probable that this Assembly will exert the necessary effort for these principles to strengthen and spread during the elections. Because what is important for us are those principles that will revive the republican accumulation in Turkey.

"DISAPPOINTMENT HAS SET SOCIETY BACK A LOT IN TURKEY"

It is not possible to solve our people's problems with a single election. We have very deep-rooted problems that require radical solutions. We need to accustom society to the real sources and real solutions of these problems.

Society is being pushed toward the wrong with pressures like 'This is the last election,' and disappointment is experienced every time. We need to give hope to society; disappointment has set society back a lot in Turkey. Our job is realism, revolutionism, and multiplying hope."